Sharks are fascinating creatures that inhabit oceans around the world. They belong to the class of fish known as Chondrichthyes, which means they have a skeleton made of cartilage instead of bone. Sharks play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems by being apex predators, helping to regulate the populations of other marine species. There are over 500 species of sharks, ranging from the small Dwarf Lanternshark to the massive Whale Shark. Despite their fearsome reputation, most sharks are not dangerous to humans. They are vital to ocean health and are often studied for their unique adaptations and behaviors.